23 February 2017

Gardening

I've been noticeably absent from here these past months, but when life takes me away from writing here, one hobby remains a constant. It's gardening.

When we moved here four and a half years ago, the yard was dirt and tons of concrete and brick in every form with rusted aluminum fencing on one side, a wall in front of another wall, and a hand poured concrete patio that was higher than the porch. I made so many phone calls, but we could not give it away. You would not believe how many times I paid someone to haul a pile to the dump. With weight restrictions and cost, it was taking forever. It was the man that built the walls, that told us about a demolition guy. Demolition came and gave an estimate, and it was hauled away the next day. The best part was he could lift the remaining patio with his bobcat. My spouse had spent hours busting it up with a sledge hammer. But that is in the past.

Now our yard is a beautiful sanctuary brimming with flowers and fruit trees.

The peach trees are blooming.

The last of the Meyer lemons, grapefruits, oranges, and mandarins have been picked. My spouse made Meyer lemon marmalade. I used one jar of the marmalade to make lemon chicken.

The tomatoes are amazing this year, though this is a photo of ones from last summer. My five year old niece picked these, and then lined them up. I think the tomato plants that I planted in the fall may carry over until June, because they are giant and still blooming. We had a lot of rain and few consecutive cold nights, so they did not get injured by frost.

Thai basil is a favorite. It makes the most beautiful purple leaves and flowers.

There are always garden flowers for making bouquets, at least a few times per week.

It's wonderful to grow your own flowers, because they only need love and sunshine.

I have been making a few changes to living room. The first thing I did, was move the chest and chairs behind the current sofa to this wall. The mirror was a vintage find. The white shutter one was put away for now, because too many people have walked into it, and fortunately, no injuries. We also found an amazing, antique sofa in a vintage shop! But for comparison, I have to show you the new one I eyed, but could never justify due to the cost (though it looked worth it), three toy dogs, and educational expenses. Wow! This was a fortunate find. But my spouse has been gone for the week, so I'm not sure when we will get to it.

Welcome to our vintage 1940s cottage fixer: built when homes were a big petite 1000 square feet with sleeping porches for summer cool. I adore romantic, vintage, a ruffle of French, Nordic, and Swedish country with a sprinkle of cottage glam: a relaxed whimsical, elegance. It's our home, and there is painting, music, gardening, creating, living, kitties, french poodles, (and a pug)...imperfect with luster.

Your photos are exquisite, Su. Your enchanting home and garden are always a welcome sight on my screen. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous flowers and plant life with us. They make me feel warm on this cold February morning. Hugs.

I'm happy to see your post. Somehow, Instagram just doesn't do it for me, though your photos are always exquisite. I remember the PVC hoops project - I'm amazed at how well they are holding up. It would have been fun to see a before picture of the back yard for some contrast, though you may not want to go back there even for pictures. It's truly a sanctuary now.

I can't believe it's only been 4 1/2 years considering all that you have done with your house.

With all of our rain and cold days, my garden has suffered. Despite the cold, I hit the garden yesterday and it felt so good. I was already working in the garden this morning before Steve called me in for breakfast. Rain is expected tonight, but I'm going to get in as many garden hours as I can today.

Your gardens are so pretty. How lucky you are to be a le to grow so much year round. Our Winter has been so wet that we could not garden much. We do have strawberries, onions and herbs growing. I think this week I will be able to plant the sweet peas and snow peas and carrot seeds. I so admire all of your citrus. Yum!

Your beautiful garden is a credit to you Su. I'm glad that if brings you so much joy and allows you to be creative. Thank you for sharing this beautiful space with us at 'Create, Bake, Grow & Gather' this week. I appreciate your support of my new party xx

Your garden is very beautiful. I always try to make my gardens look good, but it never works out. Although, maybe this year will be different. I've never grown any nice looking plants, but maybe I'll try growing the Thai basil. That looks good!

sujohnson

Christmas 2016

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Welcome to our vintage 1940s cottage fixer: built when homes were a big petite 1000 square feet with sleeping porches for summer cool. I adore romantic, vintage, a ruffle of French, Nordic, and Swedish country with a sprinkle of cottage glam: a relaxed whimsical, elegance. It's our home, and there is painting, music, gardening, creating, living, kitties, french poodles, (and a pug)...imperfect with luster.